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Akon is taking credit for the success of Kanye West's newest album - he is convinced he paved the way for the rapper to try out melodic vocals.

West has opted for a new sound on his latest record, 808s and Heartbreak, using Auto-Tune software to sing on the tracks instead of rapping.

And Akon is taking credit for the movement, insisting he and fellow rapper T-Pain were some of the first hip-hop stars to harmonise instead of just spitting rhymes.

He tells MTV, "I embrace the fact that they're doing it (rappers are singing). Music changes every year. I'm just happy (about) the fact that people are jumping on what we're already doing. I look at it like a tribute to what we're already doing, and I look at it like a compliment, really.

"I say 'you're welcome' every time I hear (rappers singing). A melody has a way of describing (words), 'cause of the emotions that come with melody. Melody brings it out better than a bland vocal. It's easier to relate."